Book excerpt: Grid Computing requires the use of software that can divide and farm out pieces of a program to as many as several thousand computers. This book explores processes and techniques needed to create a successful Grid infrastructure. Leading researchers in Europe and the US look at the development of specialist tools and environments which will encourage the convergence of the parallel programming, distributed computing and data management communities. Specific topics covered include: An overview of structural and behavioural properties of Computer Grid applications Discussion of alternative programming techniques Case studies displaying the potential of Computer Grids in solving real problems This book is unique in its outline of the needs of Computational Grids both in integration of high-end resources using OGSA/Globus, and the loose integration of Peer-2-Peer/Entropia/United Devices. Readers will gain an insight on the limitations of existing approaches as well as the standardisation activities currently taking place.